HB378 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Freedom of speech, service providers, prohibit from taking certain restrictive actions against a user based on content of speech expressed

Summary

HB378 would prohibit major interactive computer services from punishing users for their speech and would allow harmed users to sue for damages in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines when a platform is a major interactive computer service and restricts it from taking actions against a user based on the user's viewpoints or true statements of fact. It bans blocking, removing, or discriminating against users, and also bans content rejection or obscuring user content. Violations carry civil penalties of $100,000 per offense and $100,000 for each day the violation continues, and Alabama residents or businesses can sue for damages in state circuit courts. The act includes exemptions (such as content that violates law or incites unlawful acts, and allows filtering options) and preserves press freedom rights; it becomes law after a set effective date and is severable if parts are struck down.

Who It Affects

• Major interactive computer services that meet the defined thresholds and operate in Alabama, who would be prohibited from certain speech-based actions and subject to penalties and potential suits.
• Alabama residents or businesses who use these platforms and may be harmed by censorship or suppression of their speech, who could seek damages in Alabama courts.

Key Provisions

• Section defining Major Interactive Computer Service by criteria (large user base, high revenue, or doing business in Alabama).
• Section 4(a): Prohibits actions based on user viewpoint or true statements of fact, including blocking, removing, restricting, obscuring, or discriminating against a user.
• Section 4(b): Establishes penalties of $100,000 per offense and $100,000 for each day the violation continues.
• Section 5: Allows Alabama residents or businesses to sue for damages in circuit court if the service violates the act.
• Section 6: Specifies exemptions (actions that violate other laws, or incitement of unlawful acts; allows filtering; excludes expressions transmitted outside Alabama; does not infringe press freedom).
• Section 7: Severability clause.
• Section 8: Effective date set for the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Freedom of Speech